Aki: Why did Aki become the Gun Devil in Chainsaw Man? Explained

Why did Aki become the Gun Devil in Chainsaw Man? Explained

Modified Aug 20, 2024 16:00 GMT

Aki Hayakawa as the Gun Devil (Image via Tatsuki Fujimoto, Viz Media)

Tatsuki Fujimoto's Chainsaw Man brought fans several lovable characters. Each one was unique and played a crucial role in shaping the series. Among them stands the fan-favorite deuteragonist, Aki Hayakawa. He was a Public Safety Devil Hunter contracted with the Fox Devil (formerly), Future Devil and Curse Devil.

Majorly starring in the Public Safety Saga, Aki's ultimate aim was to find and hunt the Gun Devil. However, in the Gun Devil Arc, he was killed and possessed by 20% of the Gun Devil, thus becoming the host of the Gun Fiend. Hence, he became the very evil he aimed to wipe out.

Why did Aki become the Gun Devil in Chainsaw Man?

During the Gun Devil Arc, Aki is killed as Makima faces off against the Gun Devil. The Devil shoots Makima through the head, marking her 29th recorded death. However, she instantly recovers as her brain matter forms a halo around her head. The Gun Devil watches as Makima calls upon the bodies of Prinz, Sawatari, Aki, Angel Devil, Kurose, and Tendo.

Summoning the combined power of all of their Devil contracts, a hole opens in the sky above the Gun Devil, and a swarm of creatures descends. It is assumed that, here, the Gun Devil is overpowered. Moreover, due to a previous contract with Makima, Aki surrenders himself to become possessed by the Gun Devil after being lied to by her. Hence, this causes him to become the Gun Fiend.

Makima's role in Aki's transformation

Makima (Image via Tatsuki Fujimoto, Viz Media)

Makima slyly entered into a contract with Aki under the guise of helping Denji and Power. At that point, Aki considered the pair his family, and their safety was a concern to him. So, with such an offer before him, he accepted. But this was another one of Makima's schemes. She played on Aki's hate for the Gun Devil to get what she wanted.

To make matters worse, the Gun Devil's remnants possessed Aki's corpse, turning him into the Gun Fiend. The fiend then makes its way to Aki's residence, where it engages Denji in a destructive battle.

Due to her proposed contract, Aki surrendered himself to her, and 20% of the Gun Devil possessed him, transforming him into the Gun Fiend. His form was quite similar to Denji's Chainsaw Man form, sporting an oversized M1911 pistol for his face and an M16A1 rifle for his left forearm.

Aki's role in Makima's plans

Aki Hayakawa (Image via Tatsuki Fujimoto, Viz Media)

Aki was merely another plaything and pawn in Makima's hands. Her ultimate aim was to bring the Chainsaw Man, aka Pochita, under her control. For this overarching scheme, it didn't matter much to her what she did or who she had to use.

Makima acknowledged Aki's judgment and abilities, tasking with the care of Denji and Power. She seemingly trusted him more than anyone else. But in reality, she still viewed him as a pawn. With regards to her goal concerning Pochita, Makima wanted to break Denji's spirit and compel him to give up on his dreams. So, to do this, taking away his dear ones, like Aki and Power, was necessary.

When the Gun Fiend showed up at Aki's apartment, where Denji and Power were, it was on Makima's instruction that Denji opened the door. She carefully phrased her words to make it seem like the situation could only be solved by him, without telling him that Aki's corpse was the one that had become the Gun Fiend.

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Edited by Ivanna Lalsangzuali